At Uphall Primary we use Jolly Phonics in Key Stage 1. Jolly Phonics is a fun and child centred approach to teaching literacy through synthetic phonics. With actions for each of the 42 letter sounds, the multi-sensory method is very motivating for children and teachers, who can see their students achieve.

The ability to read and spell words is enhanced when children receive systematic phonics instruction. Children who are taught phonics systematically are better able to decode and spell, and they show significant improvement in their ability to comprehend text. Older children receiving phonics instruction are better able to decode and spell words and to read text.

We strive to make all of our phonics lessons fun, multi-sensory and as physical as possible, the aim being to meet all learning styles in the class and more importantly the more engaging the activities the better the children will remember.

All children are expected to progress in line with their peers. Children that need a ‘catch up’ program will be supported and expected to reach an age related expectation by the end of the year.

A Baseline assessment is carried out on all children at the beginning of the teaching year as well as any new arrivals.